Ok. That is the strongest part, and shouldn't have contributed to any side loading. Based on the missing paint on the top of the adjusting lever I'd take a look at the frame and see if there's any witness marks there or any indication that the adjusting lever hit the frame. What size/brand torsion bars do you have? The appear to be powdercoated, if the hex ends are powdercoated that can cause them to stick in the sockets.
