NHTSA Service Bulletin 10169788: 2018 Altec Service Body
Official manufacturer communication context for 2018 Altec Service Body, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Altec discovered that during the installation of certain chipper body units on Ford F750 chassis that the chassis brake system may have had brake fluid added that can be incompatible with the original equipment manufacturer type fluid. The addition of a different brake fluid should not affect the braking ability of the chassis. However, mixing two types of brake fluid together is not recommended by Ford. Altec recommends that each affected unit have the brake fluid tested for contamination of two types of brake fluid. Customers can order Brake Fluid Analysis Kit, part number 990956561, to begin the analysis process. The customer will draw a brake fluid sample and ship the sample to a laboratory for the analysis in a prepaid envelope. The results of the analysis will be returned to Altec to be communicated to the customer for further action, if needed.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10169788?
Altec discovered that during the installation of certain chipper body units on Ford F750 chassis that the chassis brake system may have had brake fluid added that can be incompatible with the original equipment manufacturer type fluid. The addition of a different brake fluid should not affect the braking ability of the chassis. However, mixing two types of brake fluid together is not recommended by Ford. Altec.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
Get Full Report