A machine element includes a sensor device for detecting mechanical stresses affecting a hollow cylindrical shaft section. The sensor device is arranged in the hollow cylindrical shaft section positively connected with axial pretension between a first radially inwardly protruding formation and a second radially inwardly protruding formation. The machine element can be produced by first forming a first radially inwardly protruding formation in the hollow shaft section of the machine element. In a subsequent sensor arrangement step, a sensor device is fitted positively in the hollow shaft section on the first radially inwardly protruding formation. Then the second radially inwardly projecting formation is produced in the hollow shaft section in a subsequent joining step. Thereby, the sensor device is joined positively with an axial pretension between the first radially inwardly protruding formation and the second inwardly protruding formation.