Ctr brake light works, other 2 don't - `99 Malibu

[Scott-Ohio]

i've checked all 4 bulbs (2 each side), fuses, relay and all are good. when this happened to my 96 monte carlo, it was the turn signal switch, so it's likely the same problem again.

it appears there is still NO recall on this issue with GM vehicles (just certain Saturn vehicles, but not related to the multi/turn signal switch), even though people obviously have reported probs all over the net with various Chevy vehicles.

one interesting thread mentioned tapping in to the 3rd brake light circuit, then wiring to pigtail/bulb on each side to overcome this prob, but that was on a 97 lumina--not so easy on my 99 malibu as the back of tail light assembly has 1 multi-pin plug and bulbs are pulled from dedicated sockets in front of assembly--2 parking/brake lights on each side.

this sucks cuz the wipers, cruise cntl, turn signals, etc. all work fine and i can't even get brake lights to work while wiggling the turn signal control and pressing brake pedal.

dealer wants $170 for part and 2 hours (@ $90/hour) for whopping $350+ bill that only comes with a 12-month warranty cuz it's a crap design that faults ALOT! rock auto has part for ~$75, but am concerned about trying to replace myself due to air bag, etc.

i know they wired it this way so the brake light switch would cancel the cruise control, but why is it that other non-GM cars don't appear to have this prob?

this car only has 105k miles and has NOT been abused, and was actually well cared for by both owners.

any thoughts on replacing this myself or other work around would be GREATLY appreciated. i don't feel like getting raked through the coals AGAIN by the dealer like i was with the `96 monte.

thanks in advance, scott