RTV Silicone Removal

I'm trying to remove my drive axles to tighten up on wheel bearings. There is RTV-instead of a paper gasket- that still is a little rubbery. But Im having a very hard time getting the axle flange to break from the hub face on my first assembly. Can anyone recommend a "dissolver"/"digester" (used in an AI search)? I've looked into some products, but all have mixed reviews.

 

No. Just flat washers. I've already got the first axle to move to where oil is barely dripping out. But I believe I'm going to still hammer a lot. Lots of time. And I am doing all 4 wheel positions. Maybe some dissolver will help after I get each flange to move just a little, and then it would be worth my money to get some?

 

It's the opposite direction that I'm trying to get the axle to move. I guess it will "mash" the silicone, and make it easier to move them out. I'll try that.

 

Whamming a 12 lb sledge in the center of the flange worked. Easy. I was hammering a fat long punch the other direction with a 3lb sledge. Thanks.

 

Nope. 4-5 swings is all it took. BTW..I tried chlorinated brakes part cleaner to ease the removal of old silicone, and it worked pretty good it seems. I didn't want to run and get Permatex. I might get some for the other 3 wheel positions when I pick up the project next week, and see if it comes off easier. I want something that works close to just "spray and wipe." Lol