Radiator Air Baffles - Necessary?

[Folically Challengjed]

The rubber air baffles on the sides of the radiator on my 2007 Yukon XL (LC9) have torn & come loose. The replacements seem pretty expensive for a #*%@! piece of rubber.

 

I can't see GM going to the trouble/expense of putting them in there for no good reason, but I'm not seeing what it is. Will the world end if I just rip them out of there, & move on with my life? Are they preventing some problem that I'm not seeing?

 

Thanks,

 

FC

 

 

[Chris]

The rubber air baffles on the sides of the radiator on my 2007 Yukon XL (LC9) have torn & come loose. The replacements seem pretty expensive for a #*%@! piece of rubber.

 

I can't see GM going to the trouble/expense of putting them in there for no good reason, but I'm not seeing what it is. Will the world end if I just rip them out of there, & move on with my life? Are they preventing some problem that I'm not seeing?

 

Thanks,

 

FC

 

 

Just aero and directing all air into radiator instead of most the air

[CapitalTruck]

I also think there is some value in not having water absolutely gushing into the engine compartment through the sides of the radiator.