Bearing unit for rotary shafts

A bearing unit with a central axis (X), the bearing unit comprising:

• a radially outer ring;
• a radially inner ring comprising:
• a first radially outer surface formed at an axially outer end of the radially inner ring;
• a second radially outer surface more radially inward than the first radially outer surface, wherein the second radially outer surface is positioned adjacent to the first radially outer surface;
• and
• a radial step comprising a radial length (a) connecting the first radially outer surface and the second radially outer surface;
• and
• a sealing device arranged between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring, the sealing device comprising:
• a shaped shield mounted on the radially outer ring;
• and
• an elastomer lining supported by the shaped shield and applied to an axially inner surface of the shaped shield, the elastomer lining comprising:
• at least three radial contacting lips comprising:
• a first, axially outer most radial contacting lip, wherein the first radial contacting lip is in sliding contact with the first radially outer surface of the radially inner ring;
• a second, axially inner most radial contacting lip, wherein the second radial contacting lip is in sliding contact with the second radially outer surface of the radially inner ring;
• and
• a third radial contacting lip positioned between the first and second radial contacting lips, wherein the third radial contacting is in sliding contact with the second radially outer surface of the radially inner ring.