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Rebuilding Brake Cylinders
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 Here's what a $2 Ford repair manual which I came across said about brake cylinders:
In order to properly distribute the hydrolic pressure so that the brake application will be most effective, step type wheel cylinders having a smaller diameter piston in the rear than the front are used. Gum and corrosion may form in the wheel cylinders if the proper brake fluid is not used; therefore, the wheel cylinders should be dismantled and examined each time the brake shoes are relined. Leaks around the wheel cylinder pistons can be stopped by reconditioning the wheel cylinders. Remove the pistons, rubber cups, springs, etc. and examine the interior surface of the cylinder walls. If the walls are only slightly discolored, hone them to a mirror finish and install new rubber cups. If the cylinder walls are deeply corroded or scored, they should be rehoned and lapped to a mirror finish or replaced with new parts. New pistons and rubber cups should be installed in either case. Caution: Never use a mineral solvent for cleaning hydrolic brake parts as this material would destroy the rubber parts. Use pure alcohol or brake fluid.
There are a number of tricks to remember when rebuilding brake cylinders...
1. Use a 3/4" tall socket to punch the pistons out of the large side of the cylinder.
2. Brake cylinder hones work like a charm, it's even easier if you have access to a drill press.
3. More soon...
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