Expert: Harold - 4/17/2004

Question
1998 chevy venture---Recently I've noticed a leak under the right front bumper.  I believe the color of the fluid is orange.  Now my brakes started squealing.  Isthe break fluid leaking and is my van drivable until I can get it repaired?

Answer
The orange fluid is Dex-Cool antifreeze and it is probably coming from the water pump.
Your brake squeal is a seperate problem. If the brakes are still working normal then it should be ok to drive. But remember that you have a coolant leak and you dont want to overheat the engine. Also it may not be a brake squeal, it could be a belt squealing because it has coolant on it. If you don't feel comfortable driving it then you should have it towed to be safe. Better safe than sorry.