I'd be very careful with tampering with those airbags. The shaft you are refering to is either the power conduit or the gas shaft for the bags - I'd not touch it. Being a rescue technician with my company, we have taken a few courses involving airbags, and disabling them and the like. Be very careful when you tamper with them, and be sure to disengage the battery fully beforehand. It's always suggested that you wait atleast an hour after disengaging the power before tampering with teh bags.

Best of luck, and be safe.

Cheers.