After being pressed into the rod, the new bushing must be reamed. Crosshead shoes are provided with shim or wedge adjustment. Wear should be slight, but adjustment should be made when the travel of the piston rod causes a movement in the stuffing boxes. Alignment of reduction gears and pinions should be checked periodically, especially on a new compressor. Flexible couplings require very little maintenance when they are properly lined up.
Some types require occasional lubrication to prevent excessive wear of springs and bushings.
A noisy coupling is an indication that the bushing is worn and requires replacement. V-belt drives require adjustment for belt tension. Belts generally stretch slightly during the first few months of use. A loose belt will slip on the motor pulley and cause undue heating and wear on the belt. A tight belt will overload the bearings.