Just noticed the right rear tire is rubbing on the side of the plastic liner. Over time I would imagine this would wear through the liner and perhaps some small amount of wear on the shoulder of the tire. This is not the case with the LH side. In the small amount of space I tried pushing on the liner but it has little give.

Should I be concerned?

The wheels are Jaguar Caravela and tires 275/40-19

 

Aren't those Caravela wheels for fitment to an XK, and not an XJ ? I reckon 275 width is on the margin or slightly over it, as you have found out.

 

They are also found on the XF. I question size only due to the fact there is plenty of clearance and no rubbing on the LH side.

 

Interesting the problem is only on one side. Do you see any noticeable differences from side to side, like wheel arch liners are different shapes ?

I still think your wheels and tyres are a bit too wide for the car, but I can't find what Jaguar offered originally on these cars, my 2003 brochure has nothing.

 

The original rims were Jaguar "Custom" 8.5" width and the door jamb sticker calls for 255/40-19, which is what I have had until now. I "traded" my Auriga 8.5 matched set for new Caravela, staggered. Perhaps now a mistake.

I was curious if the well dimensions were intentionally different.

 

255 to 275 means an additional 20mm to be accommodated, however this should be equal on each side, so 10mm to consider. I am surprised this has caused your problem. You could take the wheel arch liner out and try a bit of heat to stretch it a bit, but don't melt it !

Last year on my newly-acquired MG Midget I fitted alloy wheels which take a tyre wider than stock. I asked some experts on how much wider I could go, and it appears others have fitted wheels/tyres wider than mine, but the wheel arch rim can be contacted "in extremis" when cornering hard. My alloy wheels, (Minilite lookalikes), were a common accessory when the cars were in production in the 70s, (last cars in 1980), the wider ones are much more modern.

 

How's your suspension? Is the car riding level? It might be lower on the right side.

 

When I posted this, my observation was based on my weekly hand wash, the rubbing I noted when washing the wheels and was caused by the tire. I must add that these new rims & tires were installed recently and prior to having the upper & lower control arms and tie rods replaced.

Today I went underneath the car to get a better picture of what may be the issue. As mentioned before, the LH side had a full 1"+ clearance. The RH side actually has clearance as well but only about 3/8" AND the liner has a slight bulge when compared to the LH liner.

I'm going to drive a bit more and observe if the rubbing is continuing or if perhaps the wear occurred prior to replacing the suspension components. IF the wear continues, then I'll have to see about correcting the liner.