Abstract: In place of conventional machining of cylinder paths or tracks of piston engines, a honing machining without a rotary component is performed at least as a final machining operation so that the remaining small honing tracks are directed longitudinally and consequently permit an improved running-in behavior in conjunction with the piston rings. A preferred honing tool this has honing segments taking up a large circumferential portion and which are preferably resiliently constructed in Such a way that they automatically adapt to the cylinder path. A coating of components in the vicinity or working chambers, such as internal combustion chambers, e.g. of piston rings, comprises a chemically inert, anti-adhesive metal, such as e.g. niobium or zirconium. It is applied in a target process in vacuo and has a small thickness of approximately 8 micrometers.