Hydraulic piston pumps and motors are used in various applications to power implements, steering, propel, and auxiliary systems. However, it is important to keep the piston weight and compressible fluid volume low in order to have a smaller more efficient pump. The subject piston is manufactured in a simple manner to achieve a reliable, light weight design. The piston has a cylindrical body having an outer surface. The piston is manufactured by forming a first bore having a large diameter in the body extending from the outer surface and terminating at an annular shoulder. A second bore is formed which extends from the annular shoulder to a predetermined depth. A tube is inserted through the bore and extends a predetermined distance into the second bore. A cap has a bore and is positioned on the body in abutment with at least a portion of the outer surface. The cap slidably receives the tube through the bore. The cap is brazed to the body and the tube is brazed to the cap and to the body to form an isolated annular cavity in the piston.