on my 2005 StypeR, my front adaptive shocks have accumulated some type of crud around the top of the shock towers. Could this be some type of leakage from the shock or the wearing of the shock bushings?

 

Oil from them. Probably need replacing / refurbing.

 

shock/damper tower crud problem solved! The yellow colored crud on the top of the shock/damper tower was coming from a worn out bump stop between the damper and the upper damper mount. replaced the mounts,bump stop, upper a arms and tie rod ends. huge improvement. Next up: stabilizer bushings and wheel alignment.