Front hubs

[falcott]

Are there not usually two small holes, opposite each other, in the threaded section of the outer hub to fit or remove the splitpin?

There are, if you can get the split pin to budge. "Small holes" are the key words here. There is no way that long nose pliers can get in there, and a 1/8" blade screwdriver won't drift it out.
To me personally it seems like a design flaw. 
The gaskets need replacing, with grease wicking through, so splitting the hubs is a fair move anyway.