Bicycle Mechanics - Bottom Bracket Cleaning

Is there anyway short of removing the cranks to clean out the bottom bracket area? I have a 105 setup and as I was cleaning and lubing today I noticed a little grinding in the bracket area. What can I use to get in there and clean some crap out? Thanks for any suggestions

YOu will need a crankpuller, which type depends on whether you have square taper or splined, new 105 is splined and old is square taper. once you get the cranks off, you need a bb tool and a big crescent wrench. from there you can get the bb out. you should clean the dirt and grime out and then grease the threads of the bb shell. then replace the bb tight so no water/dirt can get in.

If you have a Shimano BB unit, there is not much you can do in the way of maintainance. You have to replace the entire unit. Some non-Shimano BB come with replaceable cartridge bearings and can be maintained.
Be careful when cleaning not to get solvent or high pressure water into the BB. The seals are not designed to resist these.

If it really just needs cleaning, I use tooth brush and some cleaner in tight areas. If you have something wrapped up there, try an old spoke to pull it out, but "grinding" noise maybe something worse than just dirt.