Abstract: A variable displacement axial piston device has a movable swashblock, the front face of which is engaged by shoes pivotally mounted on the end of pistons operating in a plurality of cylinders formed in a cylinder barrel. The rear of the swashblock has a pair of arcuate bearing surfaces and a support is provided in the device for such bearing surfaces. A pair of arcuate bearings are disposed between the support and the swashblock bearing surfaces. At least the one swashblock bearing surface that is opposite the high pressure port of the device has a continuous groove that faces the respective bearing. A passageway is formed internal of the swashblock and terminates in the groove. An opening with an orifice is provided in the front face of the swashblock leading to the passageway from a position that is axially aligned with the one bearing surface and in the path of the shoes as they pass over the front face of the swashblock.