A wheel bearing unit having a wheel hub which is mounted rotatably on a bearing journal by means of two tapered roller bearings which are spaced apart axially. The wheel bearing includes one outer ring, one inner ring and one roller crown ring which is formed from tapered rollers and a bearing cage. The tapered roller bearings are received by their outer rings on one axial stop of the wheel hub such that they are directed counter to one another, and the inner rings of the tapered roller bearings are spaced apart axially from one another by means of a sleeve wherein the wheel hub, tapered roller bearing and sleeve form a self-retaining assembly in the non-installed state of the wheel bearing unit. Both tapered roller bearings are secured axially by one securing means which is received directly on the wheel hub and covers the roller crown ring radially.