A roller hydraulic valve lifter includes a body having a longitudinal central axis and an interior area defined by an inside surface which has a pair of flat surfaces opposite one another and connected by a pair of walls. A first bore, essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, extends through the flat surfaces. A bearing is disposed partially in the interior area. The bearing includes an outer ring having substantially cylindrical exterior and interior bearing surfaces. A shaft extends through the first bore and the outer ring and between the pair of flat surfaces. A plurality of needle rollers is disposed between and rollingly engage the shaft and the cylindrical inner bearing surface. The shaft and the plurality of needle rollers are manufactured from an AISI 52100 alloy steel that is carbo-nitrided. The shaft and the plurality of needle rollers have a surface hardness of a minimum of HRc 65.