In order to perfectly install an ultra tight fitting part, such as a steel sleeved suspension bushing, into a precisely machined hole, a special set of tools and a press is required. This means the components and bushing are taken to a floor mounted press and the bushing is installed using a unique set of tools that are compressed by the hydraulic press. The special tools used in this example are so unique that they are used for only one purpose: the installation of that particular bushing into that particular suspension part.

But what of the times that require certain parts to be pressed into other parts in the tight confines of an engine bay? Obviously a floor mounted press can't be taken under the hood of a car, so in cases such as these, special presses are used. When installing the rear crank seal, for example, in a Classic 900 with the drivetrain still in the car and the clutch and flywheel out, a speciality tool called an crank seal press is used. this allows the precision fit seal to be pressed into the engine cover in situ. This special tool installs the seal properly so that it isn't damaged during installation which would likely result in leakage. Not only is it messy to have fluid leaking from your engine, but it can also be catastrophically expensive if all the engine oil or transaxle oil is lost.

This example of the specialty press used to install oil seals is just one of hundreds of unique tools required to repair cars.  All car makers, SAAB included, design and sell specific tools, and these one-of-a-kind tools are used throughout most systems of an automobile.  While many of these specialty tools are used on the engine and transmission to press, retain, push, pull or otherwise manipulate mechanical parts like gears, pulleys, dowel rods, and retaining devices, some specialty tools are also used in the cabin of the car to remove and install radios, interior clips, and other hardware. 

In addition to the specialty tools used on and in the car, there is a whole host of these one-of-kind tools used in conjunction with other equipment.  The most notable of these tools are the one used with the hydraulic press. The usage for these press tools is typically limited to the drive train.  Wheel bearings, for example, used several different specialty tools to remove and install the bearing from the steering knuckle. 

The need sometimes arises to make a new specialty tools beyond those provided by SAAB. These tools are designed and made in the shop or at the local machine shop.  Typically these types of tools are used as this shop discovers improved repair techniques undiscovered by SAAB. 

Not ironically, other existing tools are used to make new tools. Just as early humans improved their grasp on the world by making tools, modern humans do the same.