Brake light switch puzzle., Why is this happening, what am i missing? Options

[drem914]

I had my brake lights go out on me at WCR. A couple of members offered to help replace or the switch and now I am thinking I should have taken them up on the offer.
The problem is when I install the new switch it does not work. The switch is good mind you. I have tested it outside of the car and it switch current off and on. Wwhen I plug in the electrical connection with out mounting on pedal bracket, the switch works. It closes the circuit defaulting to ON when left free. Now when I go to mount the same switch to the bracket, the switch no longer works. It is not about how much the arm moves. as soon as the switch base touches the bracket the switch motion is meaningless. it just won't close the circuit for bright brake lights. What is causing the short? Is there supposed to be a separator between the switch and the bracket? Any suggestions at this point?
TIA

[drem914]

switch arm is on the drivers side of the washer. As I said in the initial description it is not about the action ofhte arm but the fact that when the assembly of the switch touches the bracket there is some sort of short that keep the switch from registering and open circuit to engage the brighter action of the brake light. IT's all good until I mount the switch to the bracket.