Took car to Farmer Autocare, in Kirkcaldy, to have my tracking checked. It was booked in for 08:00 and I arrived a few minutes early. It was pouring rain, as I sat in the car waiting, and a chap came out with a golf brolly, so I didn't get wet on the short walk to reception!
They checked the car over and pointed out that the offside drop link was worn and knocking (see other post). I said I had a new drop link in the boot, so the fitter said he would have to ask the boss as it was not their policy to fit supplied parts. He must have got the okay as next thing I knew they were replacing it.
They then fitted the new tyre and reset the tracking before taking the car out for a short test drive.
When I came to pay my bill I was surprised that they did not charge for changing the drop link, only for the tyre and tracking. I was perfectly happy to pay the £82 that it cost me.
The tyre I asked for was a Yokohama Bluearth ES32. I had done a bit of research and they came up as an all round good mid range tyre. I'll see how I get on with this one, wear wise, with a view to fitting them all round.