The paper considers the influence of the relationship betweenthe dynamic behaviour of the universal joint and thedamage in the period of transitional occurrences. Based on thetheoretical study of the shaft system with universal joints, theclassification, arrangement and value of dynamic loads havebeen determined, and the dynamic model desoibed by differentialequations has been defined. Laborat01y testing havebeen directed towards checking the safety and durability comparedto the structural requirements, precision and quality ofproduction, as well as mechanical and thermal treatment for acharacteristic type of a universal joint