The present disclosure generally relates to a pumping element of a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine wherein the pumping element comprises a first flow chamber; a second flow chamber in fluid connection with the first flow chamber, the second flow chamber including a shoulder; a check valve including a first insert and a second insert, the first insert being movable between a first position wherein the first insert forms a seal that inhibits fluid flow between the first and second flow chambers and a second position wherein the first insert permits fluid flow between the first and second flow chambers, the second insert being inserted into the second flow chamber to an extent limited by the shoulder; and a spring having a first end engaging the first insert and a second end engaging the second insert; wherein the first insert moves from the first position to the second position against a biasing force of the spring in response to pressurized fluid in the first flow chamber.