How to Change Sliding Window Balances

Windows run along a track in the window to slide up and down. Old windows used to jiggle back and forth when moved up or down, sometimes jamming in the track. Newer windows have a balance to prevent the window from becoming lopsided. Over the years, the window balance may wear down, making the window harder to move. Replacing the window balance is a cheap repair that takes less than an hour to do.

Screwdriver
Window balance tensioning tool

Instructions

- 1
  Lift the window up. Inspect the top of the window track and remove the U-shaped window stop with a screwdriver.
- 2
  Push in the tabs on the top of the window and lean the window toward you. Tip one side higher to remove the window from the track.
- 3
  Locate a metal spiral in the window track. This is the window balance. Grab the bottom of the spiral with a window balance tensioning tool, available from most window manufacturers, and turn the spiral counterclockwise to remove the tension from the balance.
- 4
  Remove the screw at the bottom of the balance then take out the balance from the window.
- 5
  Attach the new balance with the screw included in the window balance kit.
- 6
  Hold the spiral on the new balance with the tensioning tool and turn the screw clockwise six times.
- 7
  Slide the window into place and raise it up and down to test it.

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