If the A side is a problem and the B side is OK, then the preamp is not the issue, nor is anything else that is not a part of the "A" amp side.
Bridge mode is distorted because the "A" amp is distorting, and bridge uses both.
There are a large number of possible reasons, too many to list.
If the amp is basically working but distorted, and it were on a bench for me to fix, I'd look at the output waveform on a 'scope and try to get a handle on the type of distortion, which will lead to the likely cause.
If you are not familiar with amp repair, it's better not to get into it, you may mess up more than is now bad. Sorry if that sounds like an insult, it isn't intended. I am pretty mechanically and electrically savvy, but I still take the car to a mechanic. There's nothing like experience to make the job easier.
BTW, I don't particularly recommend wholesale reflowing with a heat gun..... I know people do it, but it can lead to MORE bad joints in many cases..... it's nothing like a wave solder machine, no flux, and no extra solder available.