Opinions: bad clutch or seized compressor?

Hi Everyone,

I'm experiencing the dreaded blinking A/C light + associated problem (see video below, sound on), and am hoping to solicit opinions if this is a bad clutch only, or a seized / seizing compressor. Fingers crossed it's just the clutch, for obvious reasons, but I acknowledge there might not be enough data at this point for an unequivocal diagnosis.

Important context:

1. I was driving with the A/C on and working fine, then it gave a brief shriek (similar to the video). Air immediately starting blowing warm, with the A/C button blinking.
2. Re the video, the shrieking starts immediately upon pressing the A/C button / the clutch engages. It stops immediately when pressing the button again.
3. Note the dried ribbon of black goo coming out of the clutch.
4. I've confirmed the clutch relay is functional.

Thank you!

 

My truck had the same exact symptoms and made the same exact horrible noise last month. It was my A/C clutch, once I removed it the clutch more or less fell apart. Easy fix, the one c-clip can be a pain in the ass to remove and install without the correct angled c-clip pliers. Hopefully the a/c clutch isn’t on national back order anymore, it was last month. I went OEM Toyota.

 

Welcome to TW forums!

Nice first post. It's specific, with context, and even audio/video documentation.

 

Thank you! I ordered an OEM clutch today (it's no longer on backorder).

 

12yo vehicle
I would be doing a whole compressor not a clutch.

 

Why replace the compressor? Worst case if he leaves it in would be it quits one day.