What are these Nissan Radiator side seals do?

[SC Maintenance]

My Nissan Radiators have these thin foam seals between the radiator and AC condenser.

Every one I have taken out is dust - including my Xterra the first time when it wasn't more than 5 years old. Even with them there is still a bit of a gap. I have run without them without any issues.

I know some guys replace them. I will be replacing my condenser shortly. Should I replace these? Seems like a waste of $'s and time, but given Nissan used them - there must be a reason? Possibly there only to ease assembly - in case they hit each other during assembly?

 

[mk378]

They improve AC performance by making the fans pull all of their air through the condenser, rather than have air leak through the gap.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Helpful, thank you.

Is there another material I can use - because like I said the Nissan stuff degrades awfully fast.

 

[researcher]

What about neoprene foam rubber? some have adhesive on it, or could spray adhesive on it. For the ones that look like weather stripping. Amazon has an insane amount of stuff that you could cut to shape.

 

[Boomer]

Buy some Armaflex. This is nitrile rubber/PVC that is crosslinked with fire retardants. Can stand high temps up to about 220F. Should last a long time. You could buy pipe insulation in 6 foot lengths and cut the shapes you need. You should be able to get this at Home Depot or a plumbing supply house.