Gates 39338 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

OE Belt Tensioner for Mercedes-Benz Applications

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner is built for accessory drive belt systems that demand consistent belt control and OE-style fit. Part number 39338 is engineered for Mercedes-Benz applications including Metris, Sprinter 1500, Sprinter 2500, SLC300, E300, C300, C350e, GLC300, and SLK300.

Gates draws on original equipment system design experience to produce a tensioner assembly that matches OE fit, form, and function. The DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line focuses on rigid manufacturing tolerances and application-specific performance for modern V-ribbed belt systems.

Key Features

• Automatic belt tensioner assembly for accessory drive belt systems
• OE Exact comparison rating for direct-fit replacement confidence
• Thermoplastic construction
• Single smooth/backside pulley design
• V-ribbed belt application
• 1 mounting hole design
• 17 mm bearing bore inside diameter
• 65 mm outside diameter and 26 mm width

Detailed Product Overview

This Gates 39338 tensioner is designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicles that use a V-ribbed accessory drive belt and require stable belt tracking across the pulley system. The smooth/backside pulley profile and OE Exact rating support proper alignment and consistent belt tension in applications such as the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris, 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, and 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. It also fits 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz E300, 2015-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2018 Mercedes-Benz C350e, 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, and 2017-2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC300.

This part cross-references Continental 49860 for the same application.

Common Issues This Part Can Address

• Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
• Accessory belt flutter or vibration
• Uneven belt tracking on the smooth backside pulley path
• Loss of proper belt tension from a worn tensioner assembly
• Drive belt noise during engine operation

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify the vehicle’s belt routing and tensioner style before installation.
• Inspect the accessory drive belt, idler pulleys, and related components for wear before replacing the tensioner.
• Confirm pulley alignment and mounting point condition during service.
• Use the confirmed fitment data for the exact Mercedes-Benz model and year range listed above.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioners to rigid tolerances and specifications based on OE system design standards. The result is an OE-style replacement built for direct-fit service on the listed Mercedes-Benz applications, including the Gates 39338 part number.