Since we owned the trailer, the two wooden steps down from the front bedroom have popped/squeaked/creaked when you stepped on them. The DW was fine with that, but it impeded my ability to quietly go and make coffee. While doing some other fixes, I quieted the steps.
Each wooden step is held down by four 2-inch wood screws. These came out easily with a square drive bit (#2 Robertson) and my screw gun. The wood was wedged in pretty tight and it had damaged the wallpaper.
The squeaking could have come from this rubbing, rubbing against the screws, or against the rough stair treads. The steps were built using plywood and 2x4’s to the same height as the aluminum-framed bedroom floor. Later after carpeting, they just screwed the correct decorative wood treads in place. This technique is great for manufacturing, but left me with creaky, squeaky steps.
Here are the steps with the treads removed.
Once removed, I cut about 1/16th-inch off each end using a chop saw. You could do it with a circular saw, but it would be harder. I also added duct tape to the rough treads around the screw holes and the front edge to prevent wood-on-wood rubbing. There was also a significant amount of construction debris under the treads that I removed. I do not think it contributed to the noise. Here are the steps with one tread replaced and the tape on the rough framing.
Once screwed back in place, I had my silent steps. I will see how they behave with use.