Abstract: A low noise hydraulic pump is disclosed which can be an piston pump or a vane pump, including a flow generation assembly with at least one pumping chamber for creating positive displacement of hydraulic fluid into a hydraulic system. The pump also includes a valve plate in fluid communication with the flow generation assembly, wherein the valve plate defines an inlet for admitting hydraulic fluid and also an outlet for receiving discharged hydraulic fluid. A check valve assembly is received within the valve plate for establishing a fluid passageway between the flow generation assembly and the outlet, wherein the check valve assembly reduces the pressure overshoot between the flow generation assembly and the outlet. The check valve assembly further comprises a check valve having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being sized so as to permit a predetermined flow of fluid through the check valve assembly, whereby the check valve assembly reduces noise generated by the pump.