Rubber parts between grille and condenser?

[Logan97]

I've never seen a vehicle with these rubber pieces between my grille and condenser, I assume they're to help air flow but I have no idea. Last vehicle I had had an electric fan so those pieces didn't exist. Are they needed or can I remove them? I have an 07 expedition and live in Arizona where our summers can get close to 120 degrees.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I've never seen a vehicle with these rubber pieces between my grille and condenser, I assume they're to help air flow but I have no idea. Last vehicle I had had an electric fan so those pieces didn't exist. Are they needed or can I remove them? I have an 07 expedition and live in Arizona where our summers can get close to 120 degrees.

The rubber pieces are there to direct air flow and to prevent water intrusion or splashing into certain areas.

Ford would not design and install a part if it was not necessary.

I would make sure they are fastened correctly (most use plastic push-in fasteners) and leave them in place.

 

[maxxplatinum9137]

The rubber pieces are there to direct air flow and to prevent water intrusion or splashing into certain areas.

Ford would not design and install a part if it was not necessary.

I would make sure they are fastened correctly (most use plastic push-in fasteners) and leave them in place.

@Logan97 mine deteriorated on my 2016. Took them all off about 30,000 miles ago with no issues. Like this guy here stated they are “supposed” to direct air coming in from the grill over the IC and radiator. It’s a piece of rubber, it’s only gonna do so much. And if you go above 45, they flap around and get bent in there anyways from the pressure of air coming through. If they are falling off just toss them.

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

Interesting coming across this post as I noticed the top mount on my passenger shield was torn yesterday.

 

[Logan97]

Update

Tossed the old ones and got new one's from Ford, the rubber dried up and broke off 2,000 miles later. Haven't had them on for about 5 months now, probably 10,000 miles, and haven't noticed any difference.

 

[Trainmaster]

Guess it depends on your climate and local conditions. Some places may never need them, others will.

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

Anyone have the part numbers related to share?