Grease retaining and oil metering device for a rolling bearing unit

A bearing unit including a rolling bearing, comprising:

• a stationary radially outer race having a central and circular groove formed on an inner surface of the radially outer race;
• two rotatable radially inner races;
• two rings having rolling members arranged between the radially outer race and the two radially inner races;
• and
• a retaining and metering device for retaining grease and metering oil that is housed inside the groove of the radially outer race and comprises a radially outer ring disposed inside the groove and a radially inner projection defined by an annular wall transversely oriented with respect to an axis of rotation of the rolling bearing and engaged inside the radially outer ring acting as a barrier for the flow of grease;
• the bearing unit comprises, in combination:
• a plurality of through-openings formed in the annular wall of the radially inner projection for retaining the grease and allowing the oil to pass between the two rings of rolling members in any operating condition, namely both during transportation and during operation;
• and
• a plurality of radial vanes engaged with the annular wall of the retaining and metering device for retaining the grease.