OK, first time replacing disc brake pads. SRAM Force D2.
Bought same pads as were on bike.
Cleaned dust, removed old pads, cleaned gap w/ isopropyl alcohol. Used the SRAM piston press to ensure pistons were pushed back properly (as best I can tell), inserted new pads, re-inserted wheel and basically there’s zero gap between the rotor and the new pads and the wheels won’t rotate without very significant drag.
Is this normal??
Haven’t done any bedding in yet, so is this something that will resolve itself during the bedding in process, or have I screwed something up?
Any guidance much appreciated!
In news that will surprise no-one, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use the piston press. RTFM 
All good now.
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Ha, glad you got it sorted!
I find using a torch for this task can help greatly. The SRAM pistons are black and so it can be hard to see when they’re fully retracted into the caliper bores. A bit of extra light can go a long way.
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I have the same issue with my force D1 calipers. With brand new SRAM organic brake pads. Those things are tight as hell. And I have all the whistles and bells tools to do a proper job (following the Calvin procedure, with official SRAM caliper tool and even Hayes Feel’r Gauge Brake Alignment Tool).
I recently got a new bike with Sram Red Explore E1 caliper, freshly out of a rather professional and competent LBS. The disc brake at the front was also rubbing.
I had to repeat the alignment process at least 5-6 times to get the wheel spinning smoothly with a bit of backtrack when it was stopping spinning. But the disk was still rubbing a bit.
It goes away after a few rides. It’s very annoying.
I’m wondering if it’s the same with other OEM pads (Swisstops or Jagwire) ?