Yes, I did (not unhook the axles) but it was very difficult. I measured the old zerk very carefully because I still had it. But it was NOT a matter of just screwing it back in. I believe the threads were not right from the get-go. I ultimately got a 90-degree zerk in the hole and somewhat tightened - it works and at a better angle than the 45 degree zerk. Not enough clearance to retap the hole without unhooking the axles which would have put this repair into a whole different realm of time and effort. So, I will live with my likely cross-threaded zerk until I need to do something else with it. Good luck. Hard on my old body working under the trailer.