Hi,I have a 2008 Diesel Focus which makes a mechanical whirring sound whenever I go over a small pothole. Its not on acceleration (I have looked into other causes) and can't find anything online that covers this. It passed MOT last wednesday (I bought it Thursday) has had regular services and has 80,500 miles. Its also an ex police fleet car. Other than that there is no problems.

When I say ex police fleet car it wasn't a blues and twos car, it was used plain clothes (free tax forever).

Could it be something to do with the ABS or ESP? i.e. when you go over a pot hole the wheel is losing traction?

Best to record a video with sound to better identify the sound. But before that you can check the roll-bar end-links especially in the front but also in the back. They should be nice and sturdy, bushes become worn over time and the rattle starts. Mine is 2007 and when I was going over bumps or potholes I got annoying loose metal sound, it was a front right end-link.

21 hours ago, stevejwalford said:

Could it be something to do with the ABS or ESP? i.e. when you go over a pot hole the wheel is losing traction?

My thoughts too my old MK2 done that whilst breaking if it hit a pot hole.

I had a Peugeot 307 that made a whirring sound after I had driven a hundred yards or so. It turned out to be a faulty ABS pump. Different car I know, but thought it may help in some way.

Listen to the audio of the brakes on this car 40 seconds onwards...

 

The ABS explanation sounds the most plausible. It's always in the same place on my journey home as I have to do a right turn (over the pothole) then suddenly slow down due to a fenced off manhole cover in the middle of the road which has cars parked either side of it. Brakes feel normal otherwise as does everything else. Thanks for the advice everyone, it's something I will be keeping an eye on.