interesting discovery

[tboat]

My brother-in-law wanted to drive my new 2021 Sierra Denali today.  I hopped into the passenger and buckled up.  On the passenger side seat belt buckle there is a felt type pad on the back of the buckle to keep it from rubbing on the console.  The driver side doesn't have the pad.  I asked a friend of mine to check his new AT4 and it's the same.  I can't help but wonder why it's not included on the driver side.  Obviously, it's easily fixed but for $70k I would like for both sides to be the same.  Anybody out there have that pad on their driver's side seat belt buckle?

[Dirk13]

Driver’s side is always bucked (or is supposed to be) and therefore is pulled away from the console by the seat belt and not making contact. Passenger side is not and has the potential to bounce around and hit the console.

 

I think the “felt pad” is more for reducing noise than it is to prevent scratching of the console. 

Edited June 23, 2021 by Dirk13

[camjr]

Nothing new.  My old 2006 VW Jetta had the same felt pad.

[OnTheReel]

It’s the same on the pillar. Pass side has a loop in the belt to stop it banging around on the plastic. You know GM, counting every penny. 

[Phantom 4D]

Guess that's something I haven't noticed.

[Adamace1]

Yea I thought it was to stop it from rattling on the side of the truck when you don't have a passenger. No need for this on drivers side since it should be buckled up.