Moen Kirchen Faucet - going through cartridges; should I replace?

I have a Moen Kirchen Faucet - it is at least 30 years old. It comes out of the wall (not the counter top). It looks like:


The problem is the handle gets really stiff and difficult to move ever 3 or 4 months. I can replace the cartridge or remove, disassemble and put valve grease on the moving parts and it will be OK for 3 - 4 months then becomes very stiff again. The faucet does not leak.

I'm lived here for 20 years, this did not used to happen but even a new cartridge does not last very long.

There only two things I can think of:
1 - I am buying cheap replacement cartridges that are inferior quality.
2 - there is a plastic cap where the handle connects to the top of the cartridge which is fairly worn allowing the handle to wobble. The wobble somehow allows wear in the cartridge that is not usual. This is the only part that has any signs of wear that I have not replaced - but it is not commonly available.

Any ideas?

If you are buying non-oem cartridges that may be it...

also if your plumbing system it throwing debris at it that maybe a problem as well.

I have had poor luck with "Danco" and other aftermarket parts for the Moen.
Try a Moen part.
My mother also has a Moen Legend faucet, installed in 1983, and I've only replace the cartridge once and that was at least 10 years ago.

The handle can become stiff because it has to slide on the fulcrum as it rotates. The cartridge should have little to do with it getting tight, especially if you are using the plastic one.

Call 1-800-BUY-MOEN and they will send a free replacement IF you are the original purchaser.