I've done 2 cottered in 2 weeks and both were easy - just wap the cotters real good with a flat face hammer and dont "tappity taptap" Sheldon"s words, and he's right.

It was really ugly inside one of them. Way worth taking a shot.

Once you reinstall them, ride a bit and snug the nut. They work loose, just stay on top of it until they seat and no longer creep.