Thanks for all the feedback. I had the tools out ready to disassemble and felt the nuts located under the center edge of each step. Then I thought, "measure twice and cut once." Normally I try to practice that old saying but my history is cluttered with a lot of re-cuts. So I dialed Winnie with the cell and usually the battery runs out before they answer. But the Winnie guy told me he did it from underneath! Lesson learned. But I digress.
The top surface of the stair is covered with linoleum with small round circles. Does that sound correct? In other words the nut is attached to a fixed stud so you can take the nut on and off with out having to old the stud part? And then just remove the steps, one or two that allow access?
Well I was pretty proud of myself for the squeezing idea. There I was looking like a mad scientist or something! But since I can't get it fixed until mid march I may need do fill the tank again so thanks for the tip.