I recently installed new stems in my single lever Preicefister bathroom faucets. They are as hard to turn on as old ones. Is there a lube I should have used on the stems before installation?

Old1ear

Try this. Open up the cold water side and turn the bonnet packing nut counterclockwise until it starts to leak past the stem. Now snug the nut up until the seepage stops. STOP! Do the same thing on the hot side. Work better now? Regards, Tom