I experienced a cracked starboard side step on my RV-7A. I discovered it while preflighting the airplane. I knew cracks can occur so part of my preflight procedure is to run my finger under the step at the inside top of the step where the cracks normally occur. After pondering the removal process, I decided removing the entire baggage area floor was not necessary. So after studying the applicable drawing I decided to cut a small oval shaped hole over the inner bolt retaining the step. I have an oval shaped panel to pop rivet over the hole.