Throttle body area cleaning

1996 Tacoma V6 3.4L automatic. No DTCs.



With the throttle body off for cleaning, I started cleaning just inside the air intake manifold. Is there supposed to be a hole at the arrow going into the EGR valve? If so, the hole is completely blocked with gunk. I didn't want to keep picking and have bits get sucked into the engine.

Next time I have it off I'm going to replace those water hoses with silicone.



Secondly, as I turn the throttle valve there is a significant noise that sounds like an old worn spring in the back, hidden behind the TPS and yellow plastic bushing at the arrow. It's not alarming, and the valve turns smoothly, but it seems like it should turn with less pressure and quieter, based on videos I've watched. Ok to disassemble that without causing problems? The FSM describes adjusting the TPS by undoing its set screws, so I'm not sure I should be touching the TPS screws. I'm thinking I can take out the screws behind it to get at the spring. Then maybe clean the spring by brushing with throttle body cleaner, spray air, and lube with silicone? I don't think the spring by itself is sold as a replacement part.

As I review the photo, it looks like the right screw on the TPS is barely hanging on??