2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length & Rib Count: The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris typically uses a 6-rib serpentine belt, approximately 2095mm (82.5 inches) long. However, always verify with your specific vehicle's engine and any optional accessories.
• OEM Belt PN: Mercedes-Benz A 001 993 18 96 (Verify with VIN)
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K060825
  • Dayco 5060825
  • Continental Elite 4060825
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Mercedes-Benz A 651 200 00 70 (Verify with VIN)
• Idler Pulley PN: Mercedes-Benz A 651 200 02 70 (Verify with VIN)

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, it is crucial to photograph the existing serpentine belt routing on your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris. This will be an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The typical routing for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris (with the 2.0L M274 engine and common accessories) is as follows, in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction depending on the specific pulley layout. This description assumes you are looking at the front of the engine:

1. Starting from the Crankshaft Pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom, directly driven by the engine), the belt typically travels upwards.
2. From the crankshaft, it will wrap around the A/C Compressor Pulley (usually located on the lower passenger side).
3. After the A/C compressor, the belt might go to an Idler Pulley (a smooth, non-driven pulley used to guide the belt and maintain tension in a specific path, often located above the A/C compressor or between other accessories).
4. Next, the belt typically goes to the Alternator Pulley (usually high up on the passenger or driver’s side, responsible for charging the battery).
5. From the alternator, it may wrap around the Power Steering Pump Pulley (if equipped and not electrically assisted, often on the driver's side, mid-height).
6. The belt then typically makes its way to the Water Pump Pulley (often centrally located, responsible for circulating coolant).
7. Finally, the belt will engage with the Automatic Belt Tensioner Pulley (This pulley has an arm that applies constant tension to the belt; it's the pulley you'll typically move to release tension for removal and installation). From the tensioner, the belt loops back to the crankshaft pulley to complete the circuit.

Always double-check your specific vehicle's setup against the photograph you took, as minor variations can occur depending on options and regional specifications.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a job that can be done at home with the right tools:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for extra safety.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square drive hole (usually 3/8" or 1/2") or a hex head cast into its arm.
3. Release Tension: Insert a serpentine belt tool or a long breaker bar (with the correct size socket or extension for the square drive) into the tensioner's pivot point. Rotate the tensioner in the direction that loosens the belt (this is typically counter-clockwise, but verify with the tensioner's design). This will compress the tensioner spring and allow the belt to slacken.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (often the idler or a smooth pulley is easiest). Once it's off one pulley, you can slowly release the tensioner and remove the belt completely.
5. Route New Belt: Using your photograph as a guide, carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the last pulley (often the tensioner or an easily accessible idler) for last.
6. Tension and Install: Again, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to rotate the tensioner, creating enough slack to slip the new belt over the final pulley. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all the grooves of every ribbed pulley.
7. Inspect: Once the belt is on, slowly release the tensioner. Visually inspect the belt's path on all pulleys to ensure it's correctly aligned and seated. Give the engine a quick visual check for any tools left behind before starting.
8. Reconnect Battery & Start: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the engine briefly and listen for any abnormal noises. Turn the engine off and re-inspect the belt once more.

Replacement Interval

Mercedes-Benz typically recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every service interval. While there isn't always a strict mileage-based replacement schedule for the belt itself, it's generally good practice to consider replacement around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. The automatic belt tensioner and idler pulley should also be inspected at this time and replaced if they show signs of wear or noise.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant problems, as these components drive essential engine accessories. Be alert for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators. A worn, cracked, or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing, can cause these noises, especially on cold starts, during turns, or when accessories like the A/C are engaged.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Inspect the belt's surface. Cracks, missing ribs, fraying edges, or a smooth, shiny (glazed) appearance are all signs of a worn belt that needs replacement.
• Loss of Power to Accessories: Since the serpentine belt drives the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor, a slipping or broken belt will lead to a loss of function in these systems. You might notice dim headlights, a dead battery (alternator), heavy steering (power steering), or no cold air (A/C).
• Engine Overheating: A broken serpentine belt will stop the water pump from circulating coolant, leading to rapid engine overheating.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: Observe the pulleys while the engine is running (from a safe distance). If any pulley, especially the tensioner or idlers, appears to wobble excessively or is misaligned, it indicates a failing bearing or tensioner unit.
• Loss of Belt Tension: The automatic tensioner should keep constant tension on the belt. If the tensioner arm is not applying sufficient force, or if the belt appears unusually loose, the tensioner may be failing.

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