Are The Hard Plastic Seat Back Panels Necessary/structural?

[Dale_K]

My 2010 reg cab work truck started making some plastic ticking/clicking noises from the seat backs. Interior noises really get on my nerves so I pried the hard plastic panel off the rear of the driver's seat. Is it OK to leave this panel off or does it serve a structural function and is necessary for proper operation?

[redjewel2ss]

as long as you don't fall out of the seat, and the seat covers aren't loose and coming off, i'd say your good to go!

[levigarrett]

as long as you don't fall out of the seat, and the seat covers aren't loose and coming off, i'd say your good to go!

 

Doing leather upholstery as we speak. The hard plastic piece is not structural in any way.

[Dale_K]

Thanks. I couldn't feel anything different without it but taking it out didn't really fix the plastic ticking sound I'm hearing so I might as well put it back.