Mitsubishi Repair: brake light/ cruise control, master brake cylinder, brake switch

Question
I have a 99 ecpipse gs (non-turbo) , and recently the top brake light on the trunk comes on after hitting bumps in the road. If I am on the highway and the cruise control is on, when I hit a bump the light comes on and switches the cruise off. When the car is off that light will stay on unless i tap the brake a couple times until it switches off. Also, when the car is running in idle, there is a rubbing type noise that is coming from under the hood. It seems to be in the alternator area, however i just had a new alternator and battery put in so i dont think the alternator is the problem. Do you guys know what these problems might be?

Answer
Rob,
This sounds like a problem with the braking system.  Your brake switch, which is connected to the brake pedal is activated when the pedal is depressed and that normally makes the brake light come on.  If there is a problem with the switch, the pedal, the master brake cylinder, or the brake booster, that can cause the switch to become active when you ride over bumps.  The cruise control will be disabled automatically when the brake switch is activated.  So have your mechanic check those brake items I've mentioned and I'm sure they'll find the problem.
Good luck!