XK8 Front Tire Rub

[g8rdon]

In May I purchased a 98 XK8 with less than 40K miles. The car has been stored in a climate controlled facility and appears to be in outstanding condition with one exception. When I turn to the right I get a rubbing by the tire on the top of the left side wheel well. In my area of the States (Alabama) there are no Jaguar dealers. I have read several posts on other sites that say it's the struts, while others say it is the springs. Is there any way in which I can determine which issue needs tp be addressed?

Many thanks in advance,

Don

[drnick]

Did you ever get an answer, Don? We could have written your question. We bought our '98 XK8 with 38K from an 85 y.o. lady that lives in her other homes most of the year. A real find.

When we go down our parking structure's ramp, it is a hard right turn and the tire rubs. Coming up isn't so bad, having a larger radius. (we drive in the right lane, ha ha).

Regards from the Colonies, Nick (Louisville, Kentucky, USA)

[Old Peter]

Hi Nick, and welcome to the club.

 

I don't think the reason for a tyre rub could be that the Big Cat likes the proper side of the road on which to drive.

 

I would have the easy things done first, such as checking the tracking and then checking whether you have the correct tyre size  for the rims.

 

Most garages will be able to do that quite quickly.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

From Birmingham, UK where Jaguars are made.  

 

P.S.  I would like to see that 85 year old lady driving an XK8!

[drnick]

Yes, I would have liked to have seen her drive it as well but only when she owned it. There is minor paint damage to all four corners. I'm surprised she could see above the steering wheel. The tires are correct. That was the first thing I checked. When you say "tracking", is that Queen's English for "front end alignment"? Had that done as well. Perhaps it would be easier to drive down the circular ramp in reverse, turning the wheel to the left.

[Old Peter]

Yes, Nick. Front end alignment is the expensive terminology that a main dealer uses.

 

My other guess is that it could be the suspension on that paritcular wheel.  It could be worth getting a ruler and measuring the distance and then compare with the other side.

 

But you say that there is minor paint damage on each corner.  It would be a good idea to have a look at where the tyre catches and there might gave been a slight movement of the car body that only affects it when the wheel is in full lock.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

 

P.S.  Us Octogenarians always have to look out for moving walls.