A bearing on a shaft is separated from the bore of a housing by an intermediate sleeve. The sleeve has an annular recess in its end surface, the end surface being spaced from the shaft. A sealing element extends radially in the annular recess and axially between the shaft and the intermediate sleeve. The axially extending arm of the sealing element has a flange extending behind a radially extending surface of the intermediate sleeve to axially hold the sealing element, with play, to the intermediate sleeve. The sealing element is mounted with prestress on the shaft, to rotate therewith during operation.