The EGR has a 'valve stem' from the diaphragm through the casting, to the pintle valve. If you spray cleaner into the valve, some may leak up the valve stem, and appear to be coming from past the diaphragm.
If you can apply vacuum, and it holds, the diaphragm is intact. If you open the EGR valve at idle, the engine should run rough, and perhaps die. There should be no vacuum to the diaphragm at idle. I know nothing about 'slight pulsation', but suspect that a slightly leaky solenoid valve could allow a bit of vacuum.
tom