AC Clutch plate separated

Hi,
My AC lamp started blinking after a very loud squeaking noise. I checked the AC compressor and clutch. It turns out the AC clutch plate has a rubber interior that has separated - the middle part of the clutch plate from the friction part - see pictures.

I think the compressor is still ok since I can turn it.

Has anybody seen this before? What could cause it?

 

mine roasted the solenoid coil and melted all that stuff pretty well but it wasn't enough to shear it like that. High miles? Refrigerant pressures too high? just spitballin' here

 

Thanks, could too high pressure cause this? It is in the high 90's here. I guess when the temperature goes up the more the AC has to work = increased pressure?

Could a too small gap between pully and plate cause this?

Otherwise the google diagnosis is not good since this plate should shear like this when the compressor is jammed.
I can still turn the compressor by hand so it is not completely stuck?

The truck has 90k on it. The clutch was actually replaced 2 years ago - I would have hoped that it lasted longer.

Guess I have to take it to Toyota - or is there an easy way to diagnose the compressor. The clutch I can replace myself.

 

Not sure if too high pressure could cause that, I was just thinking what would cause the torque on that joint to be higher.

Was the clutch replaced with a Toyota or OEM part? If not, maybe it was just a shit part.

 

It is at the dealer - they claim only the clutch is shot. I have my doubts though... but let's see.
I will update you when I get it back.

 

Dropped my truck off with same symptoms - loud squeaking and flashing AC light. Getting new compressor tomorrow. (2010/ 72K miles). Good luck.

 

Update. Compressor back-ordered. No ETA on availability.

 

Back from dealership with a new clutch. Worked for 10 miles so far. I was 95% sure the compressor was the problem. Feels like I am lucky even though I am ~650$ lighter.

 

For an AC clutch?

 

I just finished dealing with an AC issue on my 12 as well. Just get a brand new AC compressor from Denso off eBay P/N 497-9196. WAY cheaper and much less work involved than rehauling your current compressor and then there is still a question mark on whether or not something else will be amiss after you reassemble it.

 

I agree - I would have done the same thing in hindsight. The compressor is only 2 years old. Also if it would have been seized I would have no idea how to clean the system of debris, recharge it and so on. The clutch was actually an aftermarket - I only had problems with it so I kind of got tired of not being able to trust my AC. Anyway - lesson learned :-/

 

The clutch hub is easy to replace yourself. https://www.ebay.com/itm/111961848323

 

I would start here before paying big $$ for something that can be this simple. I had the same problem and this fixed it for me over a year ago, still working great! Good luck.