To meet the requirements for accuracy, productivity and reliability of machine tools, it is necessary to evaluate the chatter-free machining performance and to improve the dynamic performance of machine tools. In order to perform dynamic design of machine tools reasonably and effectively, the joint parts must be modelled accurately because their characteristics affect significantly on the total characteristics of machine tool. In this paper, an approach which identifies the effect of joint parts on the performance of total machine tool structure was proposed. That uses the experimental modal analysis, the finite element method and the sensitivity analysis method. The effectiveness of this approach was confirmed by applying it to structures with bearing joints. And as a result of the application, the change of dynamic characteristics of bearing joints was indentified.