2006 chevy suburban Mechanic installed center link backwards

I had the front end replaced on my 2006 Chevy Suburban, also an alignment. We knew right away something was wrong. It would not turn easily and dragged like the brakes were on. So we paid another $500.00 for new brakes and calipers. I took a picture and said to the guys "Hey, I think this piece is in backwards". They replied "no mam, it only goes in one way". After three weeks of no one in the shop being able to figure out what was wrong, and being treated like I was a crazy woman my husband came with me and showed the main mechanic that the Center Link was in fact backwards. Duh.  
Here is my question for the people that know: What could have been damaged by forcing this major piece in wrong? The brakes, the steering case? Please educate me. There is a random shrill bird like noise that is new to my car.
The owner is working with me to make this right, however I'm concerned with their initial incompetence and also their inability to see what the main problem was after they put it in wrong. Any advice would be appreciated. also it's all wheel drive and in the photo notice how the  center link is literally against the other stuff.