Axle stuck in wheel knuckle

I've searched and read many forums and still cant figure out how to get the wheel knuckle off the axle. I am working on replacing the wheel bearings in a '99 manual tran ZX2. Any and all ideas are appreciated. I just bought a slide hammer and if it is recommended for use, could you explain exactly how to use it (no instructions supplied). Thanks in advance!

If your trying to get the axle out of the hub (the part with the studs that hold your wheel on) you can tap the axle with a hammer and usually get them to budge. The easiest way to get them out is with an air hammer (not always in the average do it yourselfers tool box. The other thing you can do is pull the knuckle and axle all together and bring it in to a service center and have them hammer it out.

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am trying to get the axle out of the hub. I have already tried the hammer and stripped the threads on a 5 ton gear puller. Still a no go. Also have been spraying PB Blaster into the splines. Will a slide hammer be useful?
I guess that I will try to pull the half shaft out - anything in particular that I need to do in order to pull the half shaft from the trans (c-clips or etc)? Will it slide right out? And do I need to cover the hole once removed?

The innner half-shafts have c clips. Can be popped out with a big screwdriver. They take quite a bit of force to get out. It's a good idea to put lengths of 7/8 " dowels into the side gears so they don't fall into the transmission. Broom handles work well.