Andersen 531 Narroline Sash Balancer

This fit as predicted by Anderson references (always check!). My window was NOT the tempered glass. Some installation tips say that the top panel that covers these should be replaced, but it can go right back in. If you have never done these before, just watch videos, read instructions, and work carefully. You may have to remove trim on left side to get the track out. If you break a piece you probably can replace it, but not cheap! If you can afford it, do both since you already have the window apart.

Mechanism failed at 18 year point. Needed to match exact window with balancer. Lots of good encouragement on the YouTube and from Andersons website for DIY. Hardest part was removing side vinyl/plastic panels without cracking or scraping casement. Patience and persistence paid off.

The perfect fit

the hardest part is to remove the plastic track. i put some dawn detergent on it to make it slippery to take off and then to wiggle it back into place. the balance was an exact match and fit into the available slot without any additional work. the window functions better than new.

Ordered two of these to replace the balances in one of my Andersen windows and one of them was binding and the cord felt wobbly when it was pulled down and then retracted. Needless to say once I screwed it up into the window jam it wouldnt retract at all..

I had an old Anderson 523 Sash Balancer with a broken string. This said it was compatible for the model 523 so I gave it a try. The old one had screw holes through the center of the unit and these have holes at the end through a tab that my older ones did not have. These fit perfectly in the old space. The tabs do extend out slightly but they screwed in just fine and I did not need to notch any of the frame. There is an awesome how to video I found on U Tube that shows how to replace these. Just search how to replace an Anderson window balance. The window works smoothly now and this is much easier and cheaper than replacing a window.

Almost as easy to install as the videos show. Taller windows are easier to do as you have more room to bend the plastic jamb covers. best to do in warm weather when plastic is more pliable. take your time, dont drop the sash. An extra person to hold the sash during the procedure might help. works great.

We ordered the wrong size.

Perfect fit!

Exact replacement. Works well. Lower left side (plastic) jamb liner has to be bent and removed in order to replace this balancer. Order one before you attempt to do this job. They will surely kink and be damaged especially with smaller windows.