Hi, I m new to this forum, I browsed a couple of threads and it seems that you guys know your cars :)

I have a problem with my MK5 fiesta was hoping you guys could help me...

I have been hearing strange whirring noises coming from the back of my car when I release the handbrake and drive off. This only happens if the car has been parked for a couple of hours. the same noise also started happening when I press the brakes. and the brakes would sort of slip and the car would not stop as normal

I took it to my mechanic and he suspected that the rear break mechanism is faulty so he checked the handbrake cables and changed the front and rear brakes.

This did not help with the problem so I booked my car with another mechanic but today the abs button lighted up and the noise stopped happening. I'm thinking that the problem is with the ABS motor pump? Also the ABS would not work but that would be obvious since the alarm light is on...

I already had allot of trouble with m alternator recently, had to buy a new one, I'm hoping that this would not be \s expensive as that...

Welcome to the family Godwin!

Sounds like you might have a bad sensor causing some issues, but I suspect you may have had a couple of issues. Resolving one might have highlighted another.

Have you got any error codes? if not, if you are not in a great hurry to fix the car, look at my signature for "got an error on your car?" and see if you can invest in a code reader. This will help you in the future with any issues.

The ABS light illuminates ordinarly when there is an issue communicating with one sensor or more, this could be something as simple as a bad wire, or the entire module has died, which is why we would need to see some codes to help more.

Start off by checking the ABS Fuse and make sure its not blown, it could be as simple as a new fuse will resolve the issue.

Engine and ignition off, put into 1st gear and chock both front wheels.

Handbrake OFF.

Jack up the rear of the car and support car with axle stands.

Check there is no play in the rear bearings by rocking the wheel at 12-06 and 09-03 o'clock.

Spin each rear wheel by hand in turn; check for any noise/roughness from the rear wheel bearings.

The rear ABS sensors operate via a corrugated/segmented plate attached to the rear hub (inside the brake drum) and play in the rear wheel bearings often results in the ABS sensor being damaged by the ABS trigger plate rubbing on it and often damages the trigger plate too.