A steering apparatus (10) includes a hydraulic power steering gear (130) for turning the steerable wheels (15) of a vehicle. The steering gear (130) includes a closed center valve (150). An electric motor (18) is operatively connected with the steering wheel (12). When activated, the motor (18) resists rotation of the steering wheel (12) to provide steering feel to the vehicle driver and to modulate force applied to the steering wheel (12) upon initial opening of the closed center valve (150).