Hi,

I was following the DIY to clean my SSV when I noticed that the actuator had a small hole in the side of it.
I looked up pictures online and couldn't see the hole... looked through the forums and didn't see anyone talking about a hole in the SSV actuator besides a punctured diaphragm.

the thing is... the hole looks like it is supposed to be there. It is clean, perfectly round, small, no corrosion and perfectly lined up in the center.

I'm not getting hesitation around 4300RPM or a CEL since I cleaned it, but I'm still a bit concerned. I thought that it might be there for the same reason as a sub-woofer has a hole in it... but I want to be sure.

I've attached the picture of the actuator with the small hole in it. Is this hole supposed to be there or what?

 

That is supposed to be there.
The vacuum is applied to the other side of the actuator diaphragm.

 

the hole is to vent that side of the diaphragm from being under pressure/vacuum which would influence the amount the solenoid moves when vacuum is applied on the other side.

 

thanks for your help everyone!

I'm glad to know it was supposed to be there after all. I thought it looked too perfect :p
Subwoofers need a hole for the same reason, but I'm not familiar enough with how these actuators work so I didn't know for sure.

anyways, thats a relief!

 

When is the last time if ever that you cleaned your fuel injectors?

 

i've only cleaned my SSV and seafoamed... i've not done any cleaning past that (yet).