Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprises piston that divides the interior into a piston chamber and a rod chamber and a valve disc assembly to regulate flow of hydraulic fluid between the piston chamber and the rod chamber through a passage in the piston. The disc valve assembly includes a washer, a valve pack that includes at least one flexible disc valve, and a spacer arrangement spacing the valve pack apart from the washer. During operation, the valve pack flexes to open and close the passage. The spacer arrangement includes a first support point supporting the valve pack relative to the washer and at least one second support point spaced apart from the flexible portion of the disc valve pack. In the open position, the valve pack engages the second support point to reduce stress build-up at the first support point, thereby reducing work fatigue of the valve disc and extending the useful life of the hydraulic actuator.