What component is primarily used to control body roll in a vehicle?

The sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is specifically designed to reduce body roll during cornering, enhancing vehicle stability and handling. When a vehicle turns, forces acting on its body can cause it to lean or roll to one side. The sway bar connects the left and right sides of the suspension, effectively transferring some of the force from one wheel to the other when the vehicle leans. This helps to maintain a more level stance, improving traction and control.

In contrast, ball joints serve primarily as pivot points for the suspension components, allowing for movement and flexibility without directly controlling body roll. Shock absorbers focus on damping the movement of the suspension, which can help with ride comfort and control but do not specifically address the lateral tilt. Body mounts support the vehicle’s structure and insulate vibrations, but they do not influence the roll characteristics during cornering. Therefore, the sway bar's function makes it the key component directly responsible for managing body roll in vehicles.