A fluid device includes a variable swashplate adapted for movement between a first position and a second position. A control piston is adapted to selectively move the variable swashplate between the first and second positions. A control valve is in fluid communication with the control piston. The control valve includes a sleeve defining a spool bore, at least one fluid inlet passage in fluid communication with a fluid source and at least one control passage in fluid communication with the control piston. The control fluid passage includes an opening at the spool bore. A spool is disposed in the spool bore of the sleeve. The spool includes a metering surface that selectively communicates fluid between the fluid inlet passage and the control fluid passage. The metering surface has a first end and a second end. The metering surface having a tapered surface disposed between the first and second ends.