The release valve has a coned end. I know no history of the jack, was in our shop for many years but hidden in the back. When I retired two years ago, I saved many of the old shop items that probably have not worked for years, and were tossed aside and replaced with new items. Many of these items my dad probably started out with when he first started out, until he could replace them with new more modern items. I did notice a coned washer that does turn where the seal joins. I cannot see down in there real good, so cannot really tell about the steel ball. It does feel like it is rolling around. I will try putting light air pressure down the release shaft to see what happens. How would you change these steel balls? I did order a rebuild kit, that does come with steel balls. I just hate to clean everything up, reassemble, and have it not work. Thank you for helping me, it is much appreciated, Jim