Disassembling EGR valve?

[pearce trucking]

The bottom piece will come off. It collects soot. If it's packed full the valve can get stuck. Definitely use carb cleaner. The bottom piece is just stubborn. Also under the actuator, the top of the valve can be depressed, the 2 retainers removed, and spring will come out. You can clean corrosion then if present. The actual valve shaft won't come out however, because the diameter of the valve itself is greater than the shaft. This allows you to inspect the spring though to see if it's your problem. Also note that the reinstallation of the spring retainer is tricky. Note their position before you remove them so you'll remember when putting it back together.