Bicycle Mechanics - front derailleur problem, bb, etc

i guess the bottom bracket may be a bit long? it's a shimano mtb bb square tapered. crankset is lx. front derailleur is lx. shifters are sram mrx grip shift. i've played with the limit screws and the derailleur definately has the range, although it seems as if the crank is a tad bit far away from the bb. i've managed to set the derailleur so that it covers the range of the rings, but when i shift it never goes to as far out as it's capable of. seems like crankset is set too far outward from the frame. i've got an e-type derailleur that matches the spacing perfectly however the seat tube might get in the way a bit and i am having trouble taking apart the bb(how to use the tool to take it off and which way to turn?). any suggestions?

Fist Id say start with a dab of liquid wrench... Didnt somone make a post about that, apply liquid wrench have a beer, then repeat...

ok, back to your problem...
What type of BB tool do you have TFunk?
undo the Drive side first, that beast is reversed threaded, so you have to turn it clockwise to get it out.
If it is a Park, you can use a quick release from your wheel to hold it in place while you wrench it. Thats how I did it, well providing your BB spindle is hollow.
If its not, try placing a "C Clamp"across the spindle and BB tool, then use a wrench.
If you dont have a wrench that big, well my man you're going to have to set the frame on a set of saw horse's and lean down onit real hard while you start it off.

Good luck!

i got a park tool for the shimano splined bb's, and it fits and all but it doesnt stay in tight and if i try and turn the wrench i feel like it might slip out on me. it's not hollow and i do not have a clamp, but basically all i need to do is to use the tool and turn clockwise correct? thanks!


any thoughts on my front derailleur??

The spline fitting in the bottom bracket cups are very shallow by design. Tools have a difficult time engaging these. Use a 8mm x 40mm bolt threaded into the spindle to hold the tool snuggly to the cups. If you cannot find one, send a postal address and we can send you one; info@parktool.com

If you are working on the ISIS Drive or Octalink, use a quick release skewer.