2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine – see OEM/Aftermarket PNs below.
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN (2.0L 4-Cylinder Diesel OM651): Mercedes-Benz A0009930097
• Aftermarket Cross-refs (2.0L 4-Cylinder Diesel OM651):
  • Gates K060855 / K060855RPM
  • Dayco 5060855
  • Continental 4060855 / 4060855DP
• OEM Belt PN (3.0L V6 Diesel OM642): Mercedes-Benz A0039937496
• Aftermarket Cross-refs (3.0L V6 Diesel OM642):
  • Gates K060950 / K060950RPM
  • Dayco 5060950
  • Continental 4060950 / 4060950DP
• Auto-Tensioner PN (2.0L 4-Cylinder Diesel OM651): Mercedes-Benz A6512000270 (consult parts supplier for specific application)
• Auto-Tensioner PN (3.0L V6 Diesel OM642): Mercedes-Benz A6422000570 (consult parts supplier for specific application)
• Idler Pulley PN: Varies by engine and configuration. It is recommended to replace the idler pulley(s) with a serpentine belt kit or consult a parts supplier with your VIN.

Belt Routing

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, depending on its engine configuration (2.0L 4-cylinder diesel OM651 or 3.0L V6 diesel OM642), will have a specific serpentine belt routing. Before you begin any work, it is crucial to take a clear photograph of your existing belt's routing path. This will serve as an invaluable guide during reinstallation.

While we cannot provide an image, here's a general text-based guide for typical Sprinter configurations. Always confirm with your photograph and service manual.

General Routing Path (Confirm with your configuration):

1. Begin at the Crankshaft Pulley, which is usually the largest pulley at the bottom, driving all other accessories.
2. From the Crankshaft Pulley, the belt typically routes upward to the A/C Compressor pulley.
3. After the A/C Compressor, the belt may pass over an Idler Pulley to guide it correctly.
4. Next, the belt often wraps around the Alternator Pulley, which is usually high mounted.
5. From the Alternator, the belt might proceed to the Power Steering Pump Pulley.
6. The belt then typically goes around the Water Pump Pulley.
7. Finally, the belt usually makes its way to the Automatic Tensioner Pulley, which is designed to maintain constant tension on the belt. The tensioner will have a square drive hole for a serpentine belt removal tool or a breaker bar.

Again, consult your specific vehicle's routing diagram or the photograph you took before removal to ensure correct installation.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a task that can be performed by a moderately experienced DIY mechanic. You will need a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8" drive breaker bar/ratchet.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Document Routing: As mentioned, take a clear photo of the current belt routing.
3. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square hole for your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.
4. Relieve Tension: Insert your tool into the square hole and rotate it (usually clockwise, but confirm with your setup) to pivot the tensioner and loosen the belt. Hold the tensioner in this position.
5. Remove Old Belt: Carefully slip the old belt off one or more pulleys while maintaining tension relief. Once loose, slowly release the tensioner.
6. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, manually spin each pulley (alternator, A/C, power steering, idlers, water pump) to check for excessive play, grinding noises, or resistance. Replace any faulty pulleys.
7. Install New Belt: Route the new belt according to your photograph and/or diagram. This is often the trickiest part. Leave the belt off the tensioner pulley or one easily accessible pulley last.
8. Re-apply Tension: Once the belt is mostly in place, use your tool to pivot the tensioner again. Slip the belt over the final pulley.
9. Verify Routing: Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves and follows the exact path documented.
10. Test: Remove your tool, reconnect the battery, and start the engine. Listen for any squealing or unusual noises. Visually inspect the belt's operation.

Replacement Interval

Mercedes-Benz does not specify a rigid replacement interval for the serpentine belt on the 2019 Sprinter in terms of mileage or time. Instead, it emphasizes inspection at every service interval. As an ASE-certified technician, I generally recommend:

• Inspection: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as part of your regular maintenance schedule.
• Replacement: Proactively replace the belt between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or immediately if any signs of wear are observed. If you frequently tow heavy loads or operate in extreme conditions, consider the earlier end of this range.

It is often wise to replace the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys as a complete kit for peace of mind, especially on higher mileage vehicles.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown, as it drives critical accessories like the alternator, power steering, A/C, and water pump. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. It often indicates a worn, glazed, or misaligned belt, or a faulty tensioner/pulley.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Missing Ribs on the Belt: Visually inspect the belt. longitudinal cracks are normal on EPDM belts, but transverse cracks (across the ribs), chunks missing, or fraying edges are signs of failure.
• Loss of Power Steering: If the power steering goes out, the belt may have broken or slipped.
• Overheating Engine: A broken belt means the water pump isn't turning, leading to engine overheating.
• Battery Warning Light / Dead Battery: The alternator isn't charging if the belt is broken, leading to a dead battery.
• A/C Not Working: The A/C compressor won't engage without the belt.
• Wobbling or Loose Tensioner/Idler Pulley: If you observe any pulleys wobbling excessively or feel play when the engine is off, they need replacement.
• Grinding or Growling Noises from Tensioner/Pulleys: Indicates worn bearings within the tensioner or idler pulleys.

Addressing these symptoms promptly can prevent more serious and costly repairs.

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