Knackered front shocks?

[Dave H]

My brothers 1.2 16v appears to have damage to the front shocks and l suspect the front n/s shock has gone.He hit a brick a few months ago and now the tyre on the n/s/f is worn to the cords on the outside edge (so l'm lending him cash today to get a new tyre and tracking done). It has been through an MOT since this and as he tells me the car seems to skip when breaking hard (l had a go this morning and over rough ground when braking it sounds and feels like my 172 Cup when l floored it on dry tarmac and the front tyres spun up causing the car to jump and knock on the bump stops) he had it checked by two different garages who found nothing wrong.

When he brakes you can see the gearstick move as if the body of the car is moving forward away from the gearbox.Theres no knocking when going around tight roundabouts or when braking normally...but brake hard and it all feels a loose.

I was always told to change the front shocks in pairs.Is this still correct? Opinions please,guys.Thanks

 

[Dave H]

He's just come back from Kwikfit. They have fitted a new tyre,done the tracking (which was a mile out),topped up the water and oil,fitted a new fan belt and handbrake cable and done a full suspension check...all for £85.00 Happy days !

He says it drives much better now and the main thing is it's safe.Nothing was found to be wrong with the suspension at all....weird.

I'll have to have a go myself as the gear stick moving surely can't be solved by a new tyre!