In a method for reducing a mechanical stress of a component of a drive train of a motor vehicle with at least two wheels, of which at least one wheel is a drive wheel, wherein the motor vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and an electric machine which is coupled to the drive wheel, wherein each wheel of the motor vehicle has a dedicated friction brake, the anti-lock braking system operates individually on each friction brake. During activation of the anti-lock braking system, mechanical stress of an articulated shaft connecting the electric machine and the coupled drive wheel is determined, and the electric machine coupled to the drive wheel is controlled so as to counteract the mechanical stress. A motor vehicle making use of the method si also disclosed.