My car waffles side to side after braking. The braking system grabs (like with sudden stops) even with easy stops. What might cause this?

Badly warped rotor, worn out rotor/pads. Have it looked at by a mechanic if you don't have the "tools" to replace any of the above parts.

Waffles????????

Sounds like you need a new brake job. The way it is performing is an indication of one or more of the brakes has lost its brake pad. Most likely from wearing down to the metal support pad. If you continue to drive the vehicle in this condition, you will also be damaging the brake rotors as well since the worn pads will be wearing some serious grooves into them!

Sure sounds like warped brake rotors AND possibly worn out brake pads.

Lower control arms are bad.

The control arms need to be pried while the vehicle is on the ground to test them so you need an alignment rack with drive on ramps to verify the control arms need replacing. Do the ball joints when you replace the control arms.

Your rotors are warped and need to be replaced.

Brakes are unevenly worn out from side to side.

Car needs a brake job.  Make an appointment with the $75 an hour dude.

You’re braking system is worn. Or you could have a problem with your suspension or you could have a problem with your tires or you could have a problem with your wheels. Why don’t you just take it to a mechanic?