well, maybe S2000 shocks are made bullet proof.
this is very exceptional.

 

Miles on then doesn't mean they need to be replaced. They are not leaking or bent, which is the only visual check you can do with them. Tire stores and the foolish replace shocks because they have high miles. The "bounce test" doesn't work well on a S2k, even with a leaking shock you won't get a 2nd bounce after compressing the spring. If you want to replace them for being old and to gain peace of mind go for it.

I'd be replacing the torn compliance bushing in the lower arm 1st.

 

I almost fell for the high mileage thing, car didn't handle like it use to. Have 179K on her, recently got new tires and alignment handles like new.

 

If that's just residue around the shock then I wouldn't worry as that's normal.

 

Thanks for all the feedback.

Still not sure what I'm going to do. It's not looking like the shocks are blown but I do need to address the bushing issue. I may take a look at the used suspension market and see if it's worth throwing it into the "preventative maintenance" category.

Damn Honda! Never gives me a chance to fix anything

 

Sad to say that the caster bushing is not sold seperately, at least not by honda. Does anyone know of a company that can supply this bushing? I have had to cut quite a few of them out due to a seized inner adjuster collar.

 

Spoon and Mugen have the front lower arm caster (compliance) bushing.
The markings on the rubber of the Spoon one look identical to the OEM markings - so I assume the same type of mould is used - but the rubber itself might be different.
AFAIK Spoon and Mugen have all the lower arms alignment bushings.
Last time I checked Powerflex didn't have the compliance bushing.