96 accord ac air compressor question

[bsdebian]

Heard a strange noise under my hood yesterday happened when i turned the ac on. Ac didnt work but produced that clunky clicky noise.

Upon inspection of the engine i noticed part of the wheel that spins the air compressor had fallen off and is laying against the wheel well. I didnt want to jimmy the end piece back on not knowing what it does. It look slike to me and a few buddies like a cap that came off the gear itself. ( i have photos if you need to see what im talking about).

Im wondering is this part inportant to the aircompressor? can we pry it off or should we try to push it back on. The AC no longer works but i think it just needs a recharge. thanks in advance


the accord is a 6cylinder