Im having trouble with a friends 2004 rx8 auto trans car, the ssv was making a terrible noise at idle, just a loud ticking, so we replaced the ssv with a used one. Now, the ssv is making a bad bearing noise at around 5500 rpm and up, and also is making the same noise that sounds like bad bearings throughout the rpm range randomly. At idle i can take my hand and move the ssv shaft in and out approx. 5 to 8 thousanths, and when i move it like that the bearing noise can be heard and is very bad. Can the ssv shaft wear so much that it has excess play and create a very terrible sound at high rpms?

 

Shouldn't be like a bearing noise case it isn't turning...sure it's not your alternator belt?

The actuator might have a hole in the diaphragm and whistle??

 

ya im sure its not the alternator belt, checked everything i could. the actuator is operating properly too, it only is making noise when i grab the acutal shaft of the ssv and either pulling it out, or pushing it in/wiggling it around

 

Did you remember to install the SSV gasket?
I agree with dannobre in that it could be a very small puncture in the actuator's diaphragm.
Can you hook up a vacuum gauge to it, apply 10in. Hg, and see if you slowly loose vacuum?

 

Yes the gasket is in place, i will go double check on the actuators diaphragm right now.

 

the actuator is holding 10" perfectly, not dropping at all

 

I just thought about this...
You mentioned replacing the SSV, did the other one come with the actuator already attached?

 

Yes it did, the original actuator was wasted, diaphragm totaly blown through.

 

maybe re-re the original valve and the new actuator.......that's where I'd start

 

ya we are thinking about doing that...the old one was of corse caked in carbon and such, and was actually stuck closed. not sure what we will do here... the old one has a lot of play too, which makes me nervous that ill clean it up, put it in, and get the same results

 

they aren't really tight tolerances....especially cold. The alum expands a fair amount when warm and it will likely tighten up a bit

Clean the old one off and lube it a bit on the bushing and try that...also check the gasket and make sure it's sealing

 

+1
I apply a light coat of high temp grease on the bushing whenever I reinstall the SSV.
And I use carb cleaner with some q-tips to clean the valve itself.

 

will do, thanks for the help

 

Where is the ssv bearing located?

 

Is it an easy job to replace the ssv bearing or does it need to be on a hydraulic ramp to gain access?

 

usually they wobble out the hole where the actuator plate is pressed onto the shaft. Usually has to be replaced when that happens. There is no way to really grease it except where the far shaft end slides into the bushing at the far inside end of the intake manifold. Pretty sure the other end at the mounting plate is also a bushing rather than bearing. If it’s not turning easily either it’s gunked up inside, mane was dropped and bent, or is just due for replacement.