98 Malibu Brakelights

[hangun61]

98 Malibu with 156k has a right brakelight out. Tail light works fine, but no brakelight on the right side. During re-lamping, I tested the bulb before re-installing the light housing and it worked fine. Once I re-installed the light assembly, the brakelight would no longer work. It looks like the receptacle for the bulb is a little out of shape.
Has anyone seen this before? Is there anything I can do about it, short of replacing the assembly? If not, where can I get a new assembly without paying dealer prices?
Thanks for any help anyone can give me...

[tractorboy]

try here for parts
i just bought a door handle for my impala, at the dealers $42
from gm direct $27 + ship

i would try further tests to make sure that juice is present at the socket with the brakes on

[hangun61]

Thanks for the help, Tractor. I'm pretty sure there is power at the light, 'coz it works before re-installing the light into the lens/fixture assembly. I guess I'll need to troubleshoot it more... Thanks again