An exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly for controlling the recirculation of exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine having a base with an exhaust gas chamber formed therein, a valve member mounted within the exhaust gas chamber for metering the flow of exhaust gas therethrough, a one piece bearing having upper and lower bearing members for precise positioning of the valve member within the exhaust gas chamber, and a valve stem support assembly for mounting the valve stem relative to the actuator having means for allowing lateral movement between the actuator and the valve member thereby eliminating side-to-side loading and resultant binding of the precisely positioned valve member within the bearing.