I took both aforementioned suggestions. I cut out the silicon with an exacto knife and pulled the rods out. I took some 80 grit sandpaper to them to rough them up. Then I mixed up some JB weld and started smooshing it into the grooves. The JB weld was thinner than my expired silicon so it actually packed in there real good. I don't think I'll have any problems with it now. Thanks guys.
Here are a few pics:
