A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric torque transducer is provided, comprising the steps of (a) forming a prepared area on a surface of a torsion member adapted to be strained by an applied torque; (b) providing a piezoelectric element having an axis of maximum strain sensitivity and disposing first and second electrodes on opposite faces of the element, respectively, and attaching an electrical lead to each electrode; (c) connecting electrical leads to the electrodes; and (d) disposing the element on the prepared area and orienting the axis of maximum strain sensitivity on the member and securing the element to the prepared area with a material selected from a group consisting of (i) adhesive material and (ii) potting material. The step of disposing the piezoelectric element includes configuring the piezoelectric element in a plate-shaped configuration and disposing a resilient annular member on each opposite face of the plate-shaped element and overlaying each of the annular members with a protective cover.