A fuel injector for delivering fuel to an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle having a valve needle which is movable with respect to a valve needle seat. The valve needle travels through a range of movement between a closed position and an open position to control fuel delivery through at least one nozzle outlet. The valve needle cooperates with a needle sleeve or a control member which is located in a piston guide. The valve needle is movable relative to the needle sleeve or the control member. The needle sleeve or the control member is movable relative to the piston guide.