Greg
Get a brass brush, its like a wire brush but softer, they do one about the size of a toothbrush get this one
Then use it to clean the splines on the axle and inside the crank arms.
give all compoments a GOOD clean then use a light oil on the axle before putting them together as grease is too thick.
another tip is remove the outer seals on the sealed bearings with a scalple or stanley knife blade and repack the bearings with good quality grease (not chip fat, I know what you Torkshire lads are like lol) then put the seal back in place
Profile bearings are evry often almost dry of grease and in this country will only last a short while before they are shot
Hope this helps
DINGO