Lazer ZX-5, is this normal?

[littlened]

I've posted elsewhere because I've started getting a split second of stuttering when accelerating and reversing.

Someone has mentioned a possible fault with the ESC (LRP SPX, brand new), which I'll be looking into.

In the meantime, I've took some of the transmission apart as I could hear a squeeking sound every now and again when turning the wheels.

I found this..
(they are pretty large images to show you the damage)

http://www.web-development-server.com/DSC_0178.JPG
http://www.web-development-server.com/DSC_0179.JPG
http://www.web-development-server.com/DSC_0180.JPG

It looks like the who bearing (inner and outer) have been spinning in it's holder, hence what looks like black plastic everywhere. I did experience a burning smell when doing some testing. I even marked the outside of the bearing, ran it for a few seconds, and the mark I put on was gone, so it was defo moving.

It also looks like the bar going through the spur is slightly bent, possibly what's caused the bearing the act up.

I've ordered a new bar and a teflon bearing, which I hope will resolve the issue.

Just wondering is what looks like damage in the pictures normal? or is it obvious that there is something wrong?