Originally Posted by dinasrt

NOT a common problem. First I've heard of it.[/QUOTE
Me too, it looks like rust has been attacking the surfaces. Maybe the parts were dismantled and left in a damp spot for a while.
We know no history of the car, mileage etc. I can see the shaft getting bent if it was all rusted together at one point and hammered apart. Normally a little grease gets by the bearing seals but I see none,everything is bone dry and rusty.