In order to assure the quality of the bent axis design axial piston pumps driven by tapered pistons, it is necessary to know the characteristics of force applied to tapered pistons and the mechanism for driving the tapered pistons. Since they are able to perform both reciprocating and spinning motions in cylinder block, it is difficult to understand the driving mechanismand-tomeasure the forces applied to tapered pistons experimentally In the present study, the theoretical mechanism for driving the tapered pistons is studied by use of the geometric method. The driving area of the tapered pistons is measured by measuring the strain of a cylinder forced against a tapered piston using an electric strain gauge and a slip ring. The forces applied to tapered pistons is also investigated with the change of discharge pressure and the rotational speed. As a results of this investigation, it is concluded that the cylinder block is driven by one tapered piston in a limited area and the driving area is changed due to space angle of the tapered pistons and the swivel angle of the cylinder block. It is also observed that the force applied to tapered pistons increases as the discharge pressure and the rotational speed increase.