Compressor pulley end fell off!

[Thirty-Nine]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/20121104_160032.jpg
While changing the oil on the Yaris today, I noticed something in the splash guard under the radiator: It was this above.

I figured out it was the end of the compressor pulley on the air conditioner. I read somewhere on here that there is no nut to hold it on. Rather, it just threads on and there is a special tool that you need to tighten it down. This tool fits into the holes on the wheel, then you torque it down.

Is this correct? Will any mechanic have this, or is it a Toyota-specific tool? I'd rather not bring it in if I don't have to, but I also need it fixed. I assume I shouldn't drive it without this piece on ....

Thoughts?

[CTScott]

There is another thread on here from yesterday with another person having the same thing happen. You can actually make your own tool with a piece of steel and two grade 8 bolts that will fit into the holes. Just take a piece of flat steel and drill two holes, spaced for two opposite holes in the pulley, and stick the bolts through (either tap the holes for the bolts or put nuts on the back side).

[Thirty-Nine]

There is another thread on here from yesterday with another person having the same thing happen. You can actually make your own tool with a piece of steel and two grade 8 bolts that will fit into the holes. Just take a piece of flat steel and drill two holes, spaced for two opposite holes in the pulley, and stick the bolts through (either tap the holes for the bolts or put nuts on the back side).

That's a good idea, Scott. I suppose there'd have to be a center nut to attach a wrench to to turn it.

Do you know the torque specs on that pulley nut cover thing I posted above?

[CTScott]

That's a good idea, Scott. I suppose there'd have to be a center nut to attach a wrench to to turn it.

Do you know the torque specs on that pulley nut cover thing I posted above?

The service manual considers the compressor to be a one piece part, so there are no specs for the pulley.

[Thirty-Nine]

The service manual considers the compressor to be a one piece part, so there are no specs for the pulley.

Ah. Well I guess "tight enough" will have to do. Now I'll just have to make that tool.

Out of curiosity, the part that came off is designed to come off to replace the belt, correct? If so, does Toyota offer a proprietary tool for this piece?

[CTScott]

Ah. Well I guess "tight enough" will have to do. Now I'll just have to make that tool.

Out of curiosity, the part that came off is designed to come off to replace the belt, correct? If so, does Toyota offer a proprietary tool for this piece?

No. The belt can be replaced without removing the pulley. I am not sure if there is a SST, since Toyota just replaces the entire compressor.

[Thirty-Nine]

Hmm ... I wonder if I could just put a nut on there instead of this plate? Is the plate a balancer of some sort?

Thoughts?

[CTScott]

Hmm ... I wonder if I could just put a nut on there instead of this plate? Is the plate a balancer of some sort?

Thoughts?

I really don't know. It might act as a bit of a flywheel for the compressor.

[Thirty-Nine]

Well, I made a tool to put it back on. I basically made my own adjustable spanner wrench using two bolts that could be moved to fit into the holes. I then put a large bolt through the center of the metal bar and fastened it with a nut so I could turn it with a wrench. I used a bit of thread lock on it, and tightened it as best I could. I haven't tried it yet, but hopefully it'll hold.

[jack black]

Well, I made a tool to put it back on. I basically made my own adjustable spanner wrench using two bolts that could be moved to fit into the holes. I then put a large bolt through the center of the metal bar and fastened it with a nut so I could turn it with a wrench. I used a bit of thread lock on it, and tightened it as best I could. I haven't tried it yet, but hopefully it'll hold.

Any updates? did the fix work? I have a similar situation myself.
Thanks!

[09GLH]

Just replaced the headlights, and looked down and saw the same thing. No clue how long it's been down there, gotta be years. Time to build a tool like others mentioned. 294k on mine.