I have a three knob bath knob setup like the one pictured in the link below. When I turn the hot and cold water knobs, the screech really loudly. I've tried removing the knobs and spraying silicone lubricant inside that area, which did not help. If anyone can help pinpoint the cause of the noise, I'd greatly appreciate it.

http://ehowdiy.com/images/how_to_fix_a_leaky_two-or_three-handle_faucet-1.jpg

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Yep, agree, also lub the stem where it passes through the nut.

Thank you very much for the quick replies!

I suspect the screeching sound may be coming from that plastic threaded trim holder tube. Usually , it makes an awful sound when trying to unscrew the flange. Remove the handle, remove the flange, apply grease on the plastic treads and reinstall. See if that helps

Back to you

Milo

Thank you for your reply. I think you mention something I was wondering about. In the image I posted, the part that the knob threads onto is white. I wasn't sure if that was teflon tape or what. The stems in the bath tub I'm trying to fix are brass, like the one in the link below. That's' why I thought maybe it was metal to metal contact between the knob and the threaded part of the stem, and tried lubricating the stem threads, and also tried putting teflon tape on the stem threads.

Danco 15755B 9C-15H/C Hot and Cold Stem for Burlington Faucets - - Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Danco-15755B-9C-15H-Burlington-Faucets/dp/B00JJXHWGO)

This is for an old vacation home that my parents purchased a few years ago, so I'm going off my memory right now from the last time I saw the stems a few months ago. The reason I also mention this is because ideally I would take a picture of the exact configuration that I have, but I won't be visiting the home again for a month or so.

That threaded piece may be made of plastic ( white material ) or "brass". Actually it is not a real brass but some kind of alloy that looks like brass. These "brass" threaded pieces can also produce screeching sound. See if you can lubricate them. Do not use WD-40.

Furthermore, that threaded sleeve screws into a large nut. Inside that nut is a packing seal. If that nut is over-tightened, it will push the packing seal firmly against the turning stem, producing rubbing sound, too. Moreover, the packing seal will stiffen with time, especially if faucet not in use for extended period time. To fix that, take channel locks and turn that nut 1/4 turn CCW. Sqeeze lubricant into the packing nut.

This problem is very common in places like vacation homes or large houses with many bathrooms that are not in use every day. I suggest, once you take that trim out, apply generous amount of plumber's grease on every turning part, thread and screw. It will prevent faucets from "freezing" while not in use.

Hope that helps

Milo