Card reader removal

Is it easy to remove the card reader? it's got a bent pin and i want to try and fix it

could be one of the more difficult repairs. It required SM soldering knowledge (fine pitch) and magnification. It is NOT for the novice solderer.

I've heard places such as laptop repair shops will complete the task for less that $40, which is cheaper than the $125 card

Most people seem to use a pair of tweezers and a very steady hand to straighten the pin.
Depends how much patience you have.
Removal of the drive doesn't make it any easier.

I guess I didn't ask if he meant replace the reader or simply remove the card ... doh
Bending the pin is going to break the pin probably 50% of the time anyway, depending on how bad it bent and how many times the CF smashed into before you realized something was wrong. The CF reader is all bad news, I've learned to just install one and leave it in at all costs. But yeah he's right, for bending the pin back removing the card itself offers no real benefit. imo