A valve member for a spring-loaded valve assembly includes a top portion having a spring retaining recess, the spring retaining recess extending into the top portion to form a void space, the void space to receive at least one coil of a spring, the spring retaining recess having a recess diameter that is smaller than a top portion diameter, wherein the recess diameter is larger than a rest diameter of a spring base including the coil, the spring retaining recess blocking expansion of the at least one coil when the spring is compressed. The valve member also includes a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The valve member further includes a sealing element positioned axially below a shoulder of the top portion and legs coupled to the bottom portion.

A valve component utilized in a fluid end assembly of a reciprocating pump may contain a multi-piece construction. The valve component may include a valve body portion, a leg assembly portion, a sealing element, and an insert at least partially captured between the valve body portion and the leg assembly portion. The insert may be constructed from a carbide or a ceramic material, and, when the valve component is fully assembled, may be compressed between the valve body portion and the leg assembly portion. The insert may at least partially form the strike surface of the valve component. The valve body portion and the leg assembly portion may both be constructed from a metallic material, and the valve body portion may define a sealing seat. The sealing element may be constructed from an elastomeric material that may be pre-formed and then compression molded onto the seat of the valve body.